Born in the city of Durban, Colin grew up with a close affinity to the Indian Ocean. Developing an early passion for surfing and subsequently sailing, his involvement in the local sailing scene consisted of harbor regatta and offshore cruising. This provided the start of what was to become a great journey ahead.
An industry veteran, Colin has worked on superyachts for over two decades, having previously spent years as Captain on the 56m Perini Navi PARSIFAL IV (Selene) and 54m Perini Navi PARSIFAL III before it's TV-fame, and for several years he led the prestigious 51m Alloy sailing yacht Q; all very high-profile charter yachts. He is now honoured to be at the helm of the prestigious Royal Huisman S/Y TWIZZLE.
An entrepreneur by heart, Colin also has a passion for all things business related and plans to one day live in The Bahamas.
Colin Johnson
Captain
Leo's culinary journey commenced in the UK, where he began working at a young age in high-end restaurants boasting up to 5 Rosettes and 1 Michelin star. Under the mentorship of esteemed British chefs such as Angela Hartnett, Luke Holder, and Jason Atherton, he honed his skills.
Formally trained in Italian and French cuisine, Leo's culinary passion extends to classic Mediterranean and even Asian Fusion, with particular expertise in Japanese, Thai, and Korean styles. Additionally, he is a dedicated baker, excelling in both bread and pastry.
For the past nearly 8 years in the yachting industry, Leo has sailed around the globe, completing multiple charter seasons on the "milk run" and exploring destinations such as French Polynesia, Fiji, Thailand, and the Maldives.
Despite his British roots and extensive time spent in the UK, Leo has chosen to make New Zealand his home, where he resides with his partner and dog. In this picturesque setting, he enjoys hiking, exploring, and cruising on his motorbike in his free time.
Leo Hendra
Chef
Kylie’s love and passion for her job comes from a lifetime of sailing and creativity. Growing up in her dad's sail loft in South Africa, Kylie was afforded the freedom to learn and play amongst rolls of material which inspired her to study a degree in Fashion Design. But she was eager to see the world outside of South Africa, and having a very sailing-orientated upbringing, embarked on a career in yachting.
Since joining the industry over 6 years ago, Kylie has worked on busy dual-season charter yachts like S/Y ASOLARE and S/Y MELEK. She spent some time working on large motor yachts, but opted to return to sail as this is where her heart lies, and she feels more at home with freedom and skill of sailing.
In her spare time, Kylie likes to do anything active and creative. She focuses her time on nurturing indoor plants, and (hopes to own a flower farm one day), mental heath, nutrition, and hosting the perfect cocktail party!
Kylie thrives on the satisfaction of her guests and puts her heart into all the small details; she will always go the extra mile to give S/Y TWIZZLE's guests an experience that stands above the rest!
Kylie de Vliea
Chief steward/ess
Matt started sailing at the age of 10 off the west coast of Scotland, but grew up in the Lake District which allowed him to also develop a passion for other outdoor pursuits like climbing and mountain biking.
Matt qualified as a professional Yachtmaster after completing an intensive training course onboard sailing yachts in the south of the UK and has also completed courses in SCUBA diving around the Mediterranean.
Matt began his yachting career onboard a 40m motor yacht where he remained for 2 years before returning to the passion of his youth and sailing onboard S/Y TWIZZLE in 2021.
Matt is a keen videographer and loves to put together videos of our guests' stay onboard
Matthew Prescot
Bosun
Having grown up sailing the Cornish coast, Amelia’s passion for sailing began at a young age whilst spending her childhood on the family yacht anchored in remote bays.
After hearing about the yachting industry and loving the two years she had spent travelling Australia and its nearby countries, Amelia decided yachting was the perfect career to combine her love for travel and sailing.
Over her three years in the industry so far Amelia has seen a lot of our blue planet! She has been lucky enough to cruise the beautiful waters of The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean Sea, US Virgin Islands, east coast USA, as well as all around the Mediterranean Sea.
Amelia is looking forward to sharing her passion for sailing with guests onboard S/Y TWIZZLE.
Amelia Hudson
Deckhand
Oliver ‘Ollie’ Luscombe grew up on the south Devonshire coast, Where the call of the sea started at an early age. Influenced by summers in France foraging and in local markets with his grandmother he took to the heat of the kitchen at the age of 16.
Training under Master Chefs of Great Britain, Michelin-starred chefs and even an ex-royal head chef, it was not long before Ollie took his vast experience to the high seas. Since late 2006, he has been delighting guests on super yachts including the classic M/Y TALITHA and is happiest showcasing his love of food and local ingredients to S/Y TWIZZLE’s guests.
Other things that make him smile just as widely are his wife, Sarah, his young daughter Poppy (which will account for him loudly singing Disney songs in the galley), trying to hit a golf ball as straight as he can, and activities based on and around the water like kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and cycling.
Oliver Luscombe
Chef
Melissa grew up in Chicago, Illinois. After finishing her degree in Psychology and Social Work, she joined the yachting industry to utilise her talents in hospitality and event planning.
During her three years in the industry, she has enjoyed travelling, mixing cocktails, and creating beautiful tablescapes in both the Caribbean and Mediterranean seas. Her attention to detail and enthusiasm makes Melissa the perfect Stewardess to have assisting you on your holiday on S/Y TWIZZLE.
During her down time, she spends most of her time surrounded by friends, family, and crew. Melissa enjoys water sports, beach days, tennis, travel, and fitness.
Melissa is enthusiastic when it comes to her role onboard, and she is ready to serve you on your next adventure!
Melissa Budisch
2nd Stewardess
Jake spent his childhood in and around the ocean creating a bond that lasts a lifetime. As a result, a vast range of water-based activities naturally took his interest such as skiff dingy sailing, high-performance keel boat racing, and windsurfing.
When at home in New Zealand, Jake spends his time sailing a wooden 42ft sloop around the coastal gems of the North Island and riding his motorcycle in the South Island.
Jake brings his fun-loving personality and eager sense of adventure to his sailing career, which has included a circumnavigation and visiting remote places such as Patagonia on a selection of yachts including S/Y AQUIJO and S/Y GUILLEMOT.
Jake Tyndall
First Officer (Rotation)
Born in Brisbane Australia, Chris spent his formative years here and after completing his apprenticeship in the plumbing and gas industry, Chris set off to work and live in Europe. After he discovered super yachting, he reset his goal of becoming a Chief Engineer.
Chris re-joins the S/Y TWIZZLE crew after 9 years of marine engineering on other well-known sailing and motor yachts like S/Y MARIE and S/Y SEA EAGLE II.
Home is now in Auckland, New Zealand. With a young family Chris enjoys time at the beach making sandcastles and eating ice-cream.
Chris Boogers
Chief engineer
Born and raised in Whangārei, New Zealand, Jackson spent most of his younger years in and around the ocean – his father taking him out freediving and sailing as soon as he was old enough, sharing the same interest and passion for the sea.
Starting as a child, Jackson raced yachts of all sizes right up until he left home for Auckland to begin his career in the Royal New Zealand Navy as an Engineer. But, after almost 8 years of service for his country, Jackson hankered to return to his sailing roots and joined the yachting industry.
New Zealand will always remain his home, but Jackson is excited for the travel and adventures to come as part of the professional crew onboard S/Y TWIZZLE.
Jackson Yovich
2nd Engineer